A Project Closure can be used to bring the project to its final state. It provides a formal place to record the final project outcomes.

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Project Closure
The Final Activity in Project Management

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Introduction
All projects must be implemented within a specific period of time.
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The process of closing the project is an important aspect in project management.

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Introduction
This process is however one of the most neglected project management
activities.
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Neglecting this phase can lead to missed opportunities for learning and improvement,
as well as potential issues with stakeholders and resource allocation.
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Definition
A project closure is a formal document that summarizes the project and
enables assessment of the project outcome against its initial objectives.
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Definition
A Project Closure formally indicates that all project activities have been
completed and that the project has reached its conclusion.
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It marks the end of the project lifecycle and signifies that the project team can now
move on to other endeavors.

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Definition
A Project Closure is a place of . . .
Summarizing Project Results
During project closure, a summary of
the project results is compiled which
provides a snapshot of the project’s
progress and outcomes
Validating Accomplishment of Goals
It ensures the project did what it set
out to do. It looks at what was planned
versus what actually happened to see if
the project achieved its goals
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Benefits
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Allows to reflect on what went well
and what could be improved.
Formally hands off the project to the
process owner.
Provides a clear endpoint for the
project.
Provides an opportunity to establish
controls to sustain the benefits
achieved.

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Key Elements
A project closure typically includes the following key elements . . .
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Project Information
A brief description of
the project including its
purpose and scope.
Final Deliverables
All project deliverables
that are completed and
handed over.
Objectives
What the project was
intended to accomplish
throughout its lifecycle.

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Key Elements
A project closure typically includes the following key elements . . .
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Benefits Obtained
Financial benefits (hard
savings, net gains, ROI,
etc.) as well as soft
savings.
Schedule
Actual vs. estimated
date of completion.
Stakeholders
Key stakeholders who
will be impacted by the
project.

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Key Elements
A project closure typically includes the following key elements . . .
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Key Metrics
Primary and financial metrics
Initial vs. final defect levels
DPMO, Sigma level, cycle time
reduction, etc.
Tracking these metrics is important not only during the project period but
also several years after project completion.

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Other Elements
A project closure may include the following optional elements . . .
Controls in Place
Audit checklists
Control charts
Visual controls
Standard work
Preventive maintenance
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Other Elements
A project closure may include the following optional elements . . .
Shortfalls
Shortcomings or deviations
from the project plan as
well as recommendations
for future projects.
Resource Release
Releasing project
resources such as team
members, equipment,
and budget allocations.
Lessons learned
Should reflect on the
project to identify
successes, failures, and
areas for improvement.
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Stakeholder Acceptance
At this stage, it is important to obtain signatures from key stakeholders to
confirm that the project is completed, and its goals have been met.
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Signing off on the project closure serves as formal approval of the project outcomes.

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Stakeholder Acceptance
Other stakeholders need to be informed including . . .
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Project sponsors End users
Process owner
PMO
Accounting
department

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Project Closure Template
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Project Deliverables:
•
•
•
•
Controls In Place:
•
•
•
•
Project Information:
•
Benefits Obtained:
•
PROJECT CLOSURE
PROJECT TITLE: ______________________________________________
Key Metrics
•
•
•
•
•
SIGNATURES: _______________ _______________ _______________ _______________
Example of a project closure template . . .

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Further Information
It is important at this stage to close all contractual obligations with external
vendors or contractors.
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Further Information
Celebrating the achievements of the project team is a way to acknowledge and
appreciate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of team members
throughout the project lifecycle.
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It encourages a culture of gratitude and recognition, leaving team members proud
and eager for future projects.

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